Foam generating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A foam generating apparatus of the type including an air duct forming unit having a foam producing net connected across the free passage area adjacent a first end, an airflow producing means adjacent a second end, and means for introducing a foam solution onto the net. The apparatus is provided with the improvement wherein at least a portion of the air duct forming unit is collapsible and, condition responsive means are provided for maintaining the duct forming unit in the collapsed condition until the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

3.346.186 10/1967 Fultoneta1................... 239/265.43 3.428,13l 2/1969 Wmslow 169/15 Murphy & Mitchell July 19, 1967 page 24 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, .lr. Assistant Examiner-Gene A. Church Attorney-Meyer. Tilberry and Body sive means are provided for maintaining the duct forming unit currence of a predeterin the collapsed condition until the oc mined condition.

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UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,316,972- 5/1967 Lambert.......................

PATENTEUFIEB 2|91| 3.559741 sum 1 or 2 34 FIG. 2

FIG. I

FIG. 3

INVENTOR. MURRAY N. LEVY 22y?! 7:16am; 8 80d,

ATTORNEYS PATENTEU FEB 2 |97| llO INVENTOR. URRAY 'N. LEVY 32 MM, a M,

ATTOR N EYS FOAM GENERATING APPARATUS The present invention is directed toward the fire protection art and, more particularly, to a collapsible foam-generating apparatus.

The invention will be described with particular reference to a high-expansion foam generator especially suited for permanent installation in a building; however, it will be appreciated the invention is capable of broader application and could be utilized in other types of generators, such as portable or hand-held units.

The conventional high-expansion foam generator includes an elongated housing defining an air duct. A fan is arranged at one end of the duct for producing an airflow therethrough and a foam-generating net or mesh is positioned across the free flow area of the duct at the opposite end. Jet nozzles intermediate the fan and the mesh spray a foam producing solution onto the net and the air passing therethrough causes a high expansion foam plug to exit from the unit.

Normally, the distance between the fan and the mesh must be a certain minimum to assure efficient foam production. This minimum distance varies; however, the overall length of the units can be appreciable. This is a distinct disadvantage when the units are being stored or when they are permanently installed in a building or other enclosure requiring protection. As a consequence, the units have not been as widely accepted asais desirable.

The present invention provides a foam generator of the general type described which can be collapsed to a short compact length when not in use and automatically expanded to its full length when it is to be placed in operation. This permits the unit to be easily installed as a permanent part of a building without taking up an undue amount of space.

In accordance with the invention, a foam-generating apparatus of the type including an air'duct-forming unit having a foam-producing net connected across the free passage area adjacent a first end, an airflow producing means adjacent a second end, and means for introducing a foam solution onto the net is provided with the improvement wherein at least a portion of the air-duct-forming unit is collapsible and, condition responsive means are provided for maintaining the ductforming unit in the collapsed condition until the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the condition responsive means include power means for expanding the duct-forming unit to its operative length.

Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of a collapsible foam-generating unit which opens automatically upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, such as occurrence of a fire or supply of foam producing solution to the unit.

Another object is the provision of a unit of the type described which is especially suited for permanent installation in a building or other enclosure requiring protection.

A further object is the provision of a foam-generating apparatus of the type referred to which is simple in construction.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing it mounted in the ceiling of a room;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the foam generator in its expanded or operating condition;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are longitudinal sections through a modified embodiment of the invention which is especially suited for mounting in a horizontal position; and

FIGS. 5 and 6 are longitudinal sections through a third embodiment of the invention.

Referring specifically tothe drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a foam-generating apparatus A formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown, the foam-generating apparatus A includes an air-duct-forming unit 10 supported in an opening 12 formed in a room ceiling 14. The air-duct-forming unit 10 is formed in three separate sections 16, 17 and 18. The upper section 16 comprises a generally cylindrical sheet metal housing having an open upper end 20 and an open lower end 22. The section 16 is supported from the ceiling 14 by, for example, angle irons 24 connected to its exterior and arranged to rest on the ceiling l4. Positioned within section 16 and supported therefrom by a pair of inwardly extending cross-brace members 26 is a fan unit 28. Although the fan unit 28 could be of a variety of constructions and be powered in any suitable manner, in the preferred embodiment, the fan is of the type described and claimed in the commonly assigned copending application Ser. No. 572,851, filed Aug. 16, 1966, to Joseph R. Winslow for Fire Protection Apparatus now Pat. No. 3,428,131 issued Feb. 18, 1969). Specifically, fan unit 28 includes a fan 30 which is connected to, and driven by, a reaction spray nozzle unit 32. The necessary foaming solution is supplied to the spray nozzle unit 32 from any convenient source through a supply pipe 34 connected through a rotatable supply connection 36.

The lower section 18 of the air duct unit 10 includes a pair of cylindrical duct sections 40 and 42 connected by a transition piece 44 to define a duct having an open upper end 46 and an open lower end 48. Mounted within the duct section 42 and extending completely across the free passage area thereof is a foam-producing mesh or net member 50. The net member 50 could be of a number of different configurations butis shown as accordionlike in construction so as to provide a substantial foam-producing area.

In its broad aspects the arrangement thus far described is relatively conventional; however, as previously mentioned a predetermined minimum distance must normally be provided between the fan and the foam-producing net. This is generally required to assure uniform airflow through the net and proper dispersion of the foam-producing solution on the net. In the past, because of these requirements, the foam-generating units have been relatively long and bulky. For this reason it was not especially convenient to build the units into an existing structure since the units took up an undesirably large amount of space.

In accordance with the present invention these problems are overcome and an extremely compact and easily storable unit is provided. This is accomplished by making at least a portion of the duct-forming unit intermediate the fan and the foam-producing mesh collapsible. Specifically, according to the FIG. 1 embodiment, the duct section 17 is formed from a fabric tube connected at its opposite ends in any convenient manner to the lower open end 22 of the upper duct section 16 and to the open upper end 46 of the lower duct section 18. Consequently, the duct section 17 can be collapsed as shown in FIG. 1 and the lower duct section 18 positioned relatively closely adjacent the upper duct section 16. The two duct sections are maintained in this position by condition responsive means arranged to permit them to be expanded upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition, for example, sensing of a fire within the building or actuation of the fan. As is readi- Iy apparent, a variety of the different mechanical, fluid, or electrical latch or holding mechanisms could be provided to perform this function; however, in the preferred embodiment the means utilized comprise a frangible connecting link arrangement 56 which connects between the fan unit 28 and the lower duct section 18. Specifically, a cross bar member 58 extends centrally between opposite sides of the duct section 18. A bar member 60 is connected at the center of member 58 extends centrally between opposite sides of the duct section 18. A bar member 60 is connected at the center of member 58 and extends vertically upwardly therefrom to a point closely adjacent to the center of the reaction spray unit 32. A short hook or pin carrying member 62 is connected to the side of the reaction spray unit 32 and provided with a short outwardly extending pin 64. A similar pin 66 extends outwardly from the upper end of member 60. The two pins 64 and 66 are connected by a frangible link or tear strip 68. The tear strip 68 is sized so as to be just sufiicient to carry the weight of the duct sections 17 and 18. Consequently, the unit is maintained in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 1. However, in the event of foam solution being supplied to the unit as would take place in response to a fire being sensed within the building, or enclosure, the reaction spray nozzle 32 and fan 30 will begin rotating and the torque generated thereby will cause fracturing of the tear strip under the force of gravity to extend or expand the unit to its operative foam-producing length shown in FIG. 2. As can be appreciated, this arrangement is extremely simple and, effectively, fail-safe in operation.

A number of various modifications can be made in the invention. For example, although the sections 16 and 18 are shown as having a substantial length, these sections could be nothing more than short cylindrical frames and the entire length of the air duct forming unit constituted of a collapsible fabric tube or, for example, a telescopable housing.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a modified form of the invention which, although capable of being used in the vertical position as discussed with reference to the FIG. 1 embodiment, is especially adapted for use in the horizontal position. As will be noted, in its major components, the FIGS. 3 and 4 embodiment is shown as being substantially identical to the FIG. 1 embodiment. Accordingly, like reference numerals differentiated by a prime suffix have been utilized to denote the corresponding elements and, a description of one such element in the FIG. 1 embodiment is to be considered as equally applicable to the FIG. 3 embodiment unless otherwise noted. The basic difference in the FIG. 3 embodiment relative to the FIG. 1 embodiment is the provision of power means for causing the unit to assume its expanded position. Specifically, a telescoping water actuated cylinder 80 is connected between the duct sections 16 and 18'. As shown the cylinder end is directly connected through a vertically extending member 82 with duct section 16' whereas the piston end is similarly connected with duct section 18' through a member 84. The unit is maintained in the collapsed position by a shear link connection including a first rod member 86 which extends to the right from member 84 and is received in a cylinder member 88 extending to the left from member 82. A lightweight shear pin passes through corresponding openings formed in members 88 and 86 to lock them together.

This unit can easily be made to be responsive to any predetermined condition. However, preferably, a direct fluid connection such as pipe 89 is provided between the foam solution supply pipe and the cylinder 80. Accordingly, whenever fluid is supplied to the reaction spray motor unit 32' the cylinder 80 will be caused to expand as shown in FIG. 2 and shear the pin connecting members 86 and 88 and drive the unit to its expanded condition.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 embodiment is also readily adapted for horizontal mounting. This embodiment is likewise shown as having the same basic elements as the FIG. 1 embodiment and, accordingly, like reference numerals have been utilized but differentiated from the FIG. 1 embodiment by the addition of double prime suffixes. Specifically, the FIG. 5 and 6 embodiment replaces the fabric tube of the FIG. 1 embodiment with a double walled bellows type connection portion 100. This member can be formed from fabric, or a flexible metal or plastic tube. To maintain the unit in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 5, a shear mechanism 102 is provided. This mechanism includes a first rod member 104 which extends to the right from section 18" and a similar tube section 106 which extends to the left from section 16' and receives member 104. A lightweight shear pin passes through corresponding openings in members 104 and 106 to maintain them in position. In order to shear the pin and expand the unit to its operating length a fluid connection 110 extends between the foam solution supply line and the interior of member 100. Consequently, whenever foaming solution is supplied to the spray unit 32" the unit 100 is expanded causing the shear pin to break and the unit to resume its full position.

The invention has been described in great detail sufiicient to enable one of ordinarily skill in the fire protection art to make and use the same. Obviously, modifications and alterations of the preferred embodiment will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification and it is my intention to include all such modifications and alterations as part of my invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. In a foam generating apparatus of the type including an air-duct-forming unit having a foam-producing net connected across the free passage area adjacent a first end and an airflow producing means adjacent a second end with nozzle means for introducing a foam solution on said net, the improvement comprising:

at least a portion of said air-duct-forming unit being collapsible so that the first end including said net can be positioned adjacent the second end;

condition responsive means for maintaining said duct-forming unit in the collapsed condition until occurrence of a predetermined condition, said condition responsive means including means responsive to actuation of said airflow-producing means.

2. In a foam-generating apparatus of the type including an air-duct-forming unit having a foam-producing net connected across the free passage area adjacent a first end and an airflow-producing means adjacent a second end with nozzle means for introducing a foam solution on said net, the improvement comprising:

at least a portion of said air-duct-forming unit being collapsible so that first end including said net can be positioned adjacent the second end;

condition responsive means for maintaining said duct forming unit in the collapsed condition until occurrence of a predetermined condition, said condition responsive means including a frangible connecting member arranged to break upon actuation of said airflow-producing means.

3. In a foam-generating apparatus of the type including an air-duct-forming unit having a foam producing net connected across a free passage area adjacent a first end and an airflow producing means adjacent a second end with nozzle means for introducing a foam solution on said net, the improvement comprising:

at least a portion of said air-duct-forming unit being collapsible so that the first end including said net can be positioned adjacent the second end;

condition responsive means for maintaining said duct-forming unit in the collapsed condition until occurrence of a predetermined condition; and

power means for expanding said unit whenever foam solution is introduced on the net, said power means comprising fluid cylinder means in communication with the means for introducing a foam solution on the net.

4. In a foam-generating apparatus of the type including an air-duct-forming unit having a foam-producing net connected across the free passage area adjacent a first end and an airflow-producing means adjacent a second end with nozzle means for introducing a foam solution on the net wherein said net is spaced from said airflow producing means a first distance during operation of said apparatus, the improvement comprising:

at least a portion of said air-duct-forming unit being collapsible with a first collapsed position wherein said first end including said net is spaced from said airflow source a distance substantially less than said first distance, and a second expanded position wherein said first end including said net is spaced from said air flow means said first distance;

first means for maintaining said duct-forming unit inthe collapsed position;

second means for causing said duct-forming unit to assume said expanded position; and

said first means comprising retaining means having a first retaining condition and a second nonretaining condition said section from said first collapsed position to said second expanded position upon said retaining means assuming said second condition. 

2. In a foam-generating apparatus of the type including an air-duct-forming unit having a foam-producing net connected across the free passage area adjacent a first end and an airflow-producing means adjacent a second end with nozzle means for introducing a foam solution on said net, the improvement comprising: at least a portion of said air-duct-forming unit being collapsible so that first end including said net can be positioned adjacent the second end; condition responsive means for maintaining said duct forming unit in the collapsed condition until occurrence of a predetermined condition, said condition responsive means including a frangible connecting member arranged to break upon actuation of said airflow-producing means.
 3. In a foam-generating apparatus of the type including an air-duct-forming unit having a foam producing net connected across a free passage area adjacent a first end and an airflow producing means adjacent a second end with nozzle means for introducing a foam solution on said net, the improvement comprising: at least a portion of said air-duct-forming unit being collapsible so that the first end including said net can be positioned adjacent the second end; condition responsive means for maintaining said duct-forming unit in the collapsed condition until occurrence of a predetermined condition; and power means for expanding said unit whenever foam solution is introduced on the net, said power means comprising fluid cylinder means in communication with the means for introducing a foam solution on the net.
 4. In a foam-generating apparatus of the type including an air-duct-forming unit having a foam-producing net connected across the free passage area adjacent a first end and an airflow-producing means adjacent a second end with nozzle means for introducing a foam solution on the net wherein said net is spaced from said airflow producing means a first distance during operation of said apparatus, the improvement comprising: at least a portion of said air-duct-forming unit being collapsible with a first collapsed position wherein said first end including said net is spaced from said airflow source a distance substantially less than said first distance, and a second expanded position wherein said first end including said net is spaced from said air flow means said first distance; first means for maintaining said duct-forming unit in the collapsed position; second means for causing said duct-forming unit to assume said expanded position; and said first means comprising retaining means having a first retaining condition and a second nonretaining condition and means for changing said retaining means from said first condition to said second condition, and said second means comprising force means for automatically moving said section from said first collapsed position to said second expanded position upon said retaining means assuming said second condition. 